Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide Concentration in Cerebrospinal Fluid and Serum in Horses Affected by Trigeminal-Mediated Headshaking and other conditions

Trigeminal-mediated headshaking (TMHS) in horses shares clinical features with human trigeminal neuralgia (HTN). Elevated levels of the neuropeptide calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) have been found in the blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of HTN patients. Inhibition of CGRP in humans has shown promise for pain relief. Data on CGRP in horses affected by TMHS are currently lacking but, if quantifiable and validated, could assist in developing new diagnostic and more rational therapeutic approaches. This study aimed to quantify and correlate CGRP concentrations in the serum and CSF of horses with TMHS; compare CSF CGRP levels across horses with various neurological, painful, inflammatory, and chronic conditions; analyse serum CGRP concentrations before and after exercise-induced headshaking in affected horses versus healthy controls.